A year after free-form college station KUSF was pulled off the air, a group of volunteers is still fighting the proposed sale of the 90.3 FM signal by the University of San Francisco to the Classical Public Radio Network, which is owned by the University of Southern California. In the meantime, they have moved online. Irwin Swirnoff, former music director at the student-run station and a main force behind the Save KUSF campaign (savekusf.org), gives us an update.

Q:Where do things stand with KUSF a year after the shutdown?

A:The FCC is investigating the sale and we are hopeful that we are going to get public hearings. The city has made it clear that this is a bad deal for San Francisco, as the Board of Supervisors passed a resolution last year in support of our efforts to save KUSF. From our civic leaders to the wide spectrum of our community that was served by the station, it's evident that this shutdown not only violated FCC law but is also a slap in the face and a disservice to our community.

Q:Can people find the same kind of programming on the online-only "KUSF in Exile"?

A: A majority of former KUSF DJs are on "KUSF in Exile," but we have also added some really exciting new programs covering everything from the Bay Area's vibrant art scene, a weekly queer show, a 20th century classical show, polka, salsa, primitive folk and blues and tons more.

Q:USF has already demolished the old studios. Do you still think there's hope for blocking the FCC approval of the sale and getting things back to the way they were?

A: When USF demolished the home studios, it was one glaring example of the premature transfer of power that has occurred in this deal. With that said, of course things will never go back to how they were, but we are committed to fighting for our right to get back on the terrestrial dial. When that happens, it will be something even beyond and better than KUSF.

Q:We're living in a digital age. Why do you think it's important to get the station back on the air?

A: People don't listen to Internet radio in the numbers they listen to the actual radio. We also were very aware and sensitive to the fact that many of our most popular shows, like "Chinese Star Radio" and the "Senior News and Disability Reports," were listened to by large parts of our population that don't tune in online. San Francisco needs and deserves a far-reaching community radio station. There is just too much amazing art, culture and music in this city that needs to have a spot on the radio dial. {sbox}